Bhiwadi SEZs get a kickstart

Rajasthan's chief minister Vasundhara Raje on Wednesday laid the foundation stone for setting up an IT/ITES SEZ by Somani Worsted Ltd and manufacturing facilities of Jaquar Ltd and Orient Craft Ltd in Bhiwadi.

Digamber Singh, Rajasthan's minister of industries, was also present on the occasion.

The establishment of these projects is in sync with the vision of the recent Resurgent Rajasthan Partnership Summit and is expected to give a boost to the rapid industrialisation in the state.

Congratulating the investors, Digamber Singh said, "Rajasthan has been witnessing a robust economic growth of more than 7 per cent per annum and the current pace of industrial development will certainly add more thrust to it. The government of Rajasthan is committed to achieving sustainable development across all sectors, and initiatives like these will further enhance the economic growth in the state."

Kuldeep Ranka, managing director, Rajasthan State Industrial Development & Investment Corporation (RIICO), said, "We welcome these companies with open arms and will ensure a conducive business environment for their sustenance and growth."

RIICO will continue to facilitate growth in the region by providing robust infrastructure."

Somani Worsted Limited will be developing an IT/ ITES Special Economic Zone, which will be named as 'Silicon City', and will be developed on 50 acres with a total investment of approximately Rs 700 crore in the first phase. The Silicon City is expected to generate direct employment for about 50000 in the IT sector and approximately 200,000 (two lakhs) indirect jobs in Rajasthan.

Orient Craft Limited, one of the largest garment export houses in India, will establish its 'Flagship Integrated Apparel Manufacturing Campus' at Pathredi in Bhiwadi, targeting a business of Rs. 2,000 crore by 2010.

Orient Craft has been working with some of the most renowned fashion designers, brands and retailers like Gap, Tommy Hilfiger, Dillards, Polo Ralph Lauren, Marks & Spencer, Marc Jacobs and many others.

The project is expected to cost around Rs. 100 crore in the first phase and is likely to employ 8000 workers. When completed, this will be the first integrated apparel & textile manufacturing facility of its kind in India.

India's largest manufacturer and exporter of bath fittings, Jaquar Limited, will also be setting up a new, state-of-the-art plant in 12 acres at Chopanki for manufacturing concealed cisterns (a joint venture with a Monaco-based company), shower enclosures (a joint venture with a German company) and whirlpool systems (a joint venture with an Italian company).

The new manufacturing unit with an estimated investment of Rs 70 crore in the first phase will provide employment to about 1000 people.